AKEBONO REPORT 2013

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Weight Saving at the Level of a Tenth of One PercentSince 2007, Akebonohas been supplying brakingsystems to the“Vodafone McLarenMercedes” Grand Prixracing team as an OfficialSupplier. To meetMcLaren’s uncompromising demands, we have been exhaustivelypursuing weight savings to the level of a tenth of one percent alongwith high rigidity, greater cooling capability, high reliability and stablebraking performance. We succeeded in realizing a braking systemthat boasts the highest level of achievement in terms of all theseconsiderations by utilizing our originally developed mechanisms,materials and surface-finishing methods.The know-how we obtain from the development of braking systemsfor racing cars is reflected in our designs for mass production.In fact, the fuel efficiency of mass-production automobiles could beimproved upon by adopting some weight-saving technology initiallydeveloped for a racing-oriented braking system, where such savingsare pursued to the one-gram level. This will eventually facilitate energysavings for regular automobiles. Moreover, endurance race cartechnology aimed at improving abrasion resistance and the ability towithstand high loads can be used to enhance the durability of conventionalproducts.Moving forward, with the adoption of our braking systems for theMcLaren P1?, the latest ultra-high performance road car, we will besupplying carbon ceramic brake discs in addition to high-end calipersand brake pads. Carbon ceramic brake discs are considerably lighterthan those containing ferrous materials and can be made smallerdue to high heat dissipation and endurance performance. They alsolast longer, meaning they consume fewer natural resources.Akebono is also developing lead-free brake pads for high-endcommercial cars. By developing products that achieve high environmentalperformance without sacrificing driving performance, we arestriving to provide eco-friendly products even in the high-end carsegment.Through these efforts, we seek to contribute to resource savingand enhance the environmental efficiency of products.On February 26, 2013, Akebono announced plans to supply brakingsystems, including brake calipers, pads and disk components, forthe McLaren P1?.Based on technologies cultivated in motorsports, the McLarenP1? braking system features a new type of carbon ceramic discnever used on a road car before, as well as specially developedpads mounted in Akebono’s aluminum monoblock opposed pistontype calipers.* With extreme care paid to every aspect?includingmaterials, structure and surface processing?to ensure optimal performance,the resulting braking system achieves a high degree ofreliability and efficiency in terms of significantly reduced weight,exceptional cooling capability and the ability to withstand high temperaturesand maintain rigidity. The carbon ceramic brake disc iscoated with a silicon carbide layer to produce an attractive mirroredfinish.The latest racing car technology was also utilized to minimizedrag in spite of the system’s low weight, thereby improving fuel efficiencyin tandem with driving performance.* Opposed piston type calipers apply pressure using pistons on both sides of therotor, and have speed control superior to that of conventional calipers.Akebono to Supply Braking Systems to McLaren P1?TopicsThe 83rd International Geneva Motor Show (March 5, 2013)McLaren and Akebono logos are shown on the caliper as anemblem of their partnershipEnvironmental ManagementMotor Sports?Exhaustively Pursuing Weight SavingsWe contribute to global warming prevention by developing innovative technologiesthat can significantly cut the energy usage and CO2 emissions.

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